Resident Calls Berkeley Heights Library Finances “In Disarray,” Says $500K Could Be Cut Without Reducing Services

Amid the debates over the AI Data Center and Police Expansion ordinances that drew heavy fire during the 07/21/2026 Town Council meeting, a resident who questioned the Town’s $1.73 million annual library allocation during the 06/09 Council meeting returned after attending a Library Board meeting and said he had more concerns.

Sankels indicated that the library’s finances were “in disarray” and expressed concern that an independent nonprofit’s funds were being mixed into the Town’s finances. He also criticized what he described as a reimagining of the library without evidence of a clear public mandate.

Among the expenses Sankel questioned were approximately $15Kfor three picture-book bins, $30K for a consultant to conduct surveys and develop a plan, the addition of a marketing position and an administrative coordinator paid $33/hr for 12 hours each week to prepare Library Board packets.

Sankels also said the Board discussed hiring someone to teach Mahjong classes.

“While community activities have value, funding these classes falls far outside the core taxpayer-funded mandate of a library,” Sankels said.

NJ21st hasn’t verified the figures presented by the resident during public comment.

Sankels also questioned the level of public participation at Library Board meetings, indicating that the meeting he attended had barely enough members present to reach a quorum, despite a Zoom option being available.

He asked Council members whether they would support appointing Library Board members who would push for greater transparency, accountability and more restrained spending.

“We could easily cut $500K a year in spending, just easy,” Sankels said. “And Berkeley Heights residents wouldn’t even notice a change in services.”

Council Vice President Susan Poage responded that the Mayor, not the Council, appoints Library Board trustees.

Sankels acknowledged that the Mayor makes the appointments but noted that the governing body has an advice-and-consent role.

“So given the advice and consent, you do have a role in appointing people, right?” Sankels said. “I’m asking you all to advise and consent for people who are gonna push hard for this transparency, accountability and reasonable spending.”

When Poage asked whether Sankels would be interested in serving on the Library Board himself, Sankels said he would apply.

“I will put in my application, and I hope that you all would consider it seriously,” he said.

The exchange follows a July candidate statement from Council candidate Tom Maciejewski, who called for an independent review of the library’s spending and utilization, citing differences between the library’s budget documents, payroll increases, the creation of new positions and $550K transferred from operating funds into capital reserves during 2024 and 2025.

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